Yorkshire Live journalist Dom Howson has delivered an update on Lee Gregory’s future at Sheffield Wednesday during a fan Q&A session.

The Lowdown: Gregory’s debut season

The 33-year-old first made the switch to League One when he joined the Owls in a permanent move from Championship side Stoke City last summer, where he has become a regular feature in Darren Moore’s starting XI in his debut season at Hillsborough, racking up 39 appearances across all competitions.

When the striker put pen to paper on arrival, his contract was set to run until 2023, so with just 12 months now remaining on his current deal, the club will no doubt be sweating over his future after such a successful campaign.

The Latest: Howson drops Gregory update

In a fan Q&A session for Yorkshire Live, Howson was asked by a supporter whether Sheffield Wednesday are in negotiations over a new agreement for Gregory, confirming there are no talks yet but they will be in the pipeline:

“Not sure talks have taken place yet with Gregory but I am sure that is one Wednesday will be looking to sort out sooner rather than later. Gregory was superb in his first year at the club.”

The Verdict: Exciting

The former Potters star was a standout performer for the Owls during his opening campaign in the third-tier, so it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see the club wanting to extend his stay for as long as possible.

Throughout the 2021/22 term, the forward, who was once hailed an “instrumental” player by former Millwall teammate Tom Bradshaw, scored an outstanding 16 goals and provided six assists in League One, as per Transfermarkt, and was a pivotal figure in helping his side reach the play-offs.

Looking ahead to next season, Gregory will be pivotal if the club manage to go all the way and seal promotion to the Championship, so this update that talks are due is certainly an exciting one.

In other news… Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly closing in on the signing of a new defender.

Wolves are finally on the cusp of signing Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha, having been linked with him countless times in the past six months.

The Lowdown: Palhinha a long-time target

Wanderers are expected to make a number of new signings in the summer transfer window but no player has been tipped to move to Molineux more often than Palhinha.

Links dating all the way back to last June have suggested that Bruno Lage would make a move for the 26-year-old, eyeing him up as Ruben Neves’ natural replacement in Wolves’ midfield.

Now, the deal looks like it is closer than ever to going through, after transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke confirmed earlier this week the midfielder is a ‘long term target’.

The Latest: Transfer set to go through?

According to Correio da Manha on Thursday evening, Palhinha will be a Wolves player next season, with the transfer on the verge of being completed.

An agreement is believed to have been reached over a €20million (£17m) move, with another €5m (£4.2m) in achievable add-ons.

Wolves have already secured their first summer signing in the permanent capture of Hwang Hee-chan, so Palhinha looks set to become addition number two.

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The Verdict: Perfect Neves replacement

Neves is clearly going to leave a gaping hole in Wolves’ team if he goes, but this update is hugely exciting, with Palhinha appearing to be a tailor-made replacement, having been hailed as a ‘very good’ player by Jorge Jesus.

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Classy with the ball at his feet, the Sporting CP man enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate this season in both the Primeira Liga last season and in World Cup qualifying for Portugal, which is actually higher than Neves’ in England.

A hugely impressive average of 4.5 tackles per game at Euro 2020 last summer also proves that he is tenacious off the ball, so Wolves are getting themselves a strong all-round package.

In other news, a transfer insider has made a key Wolves claim. Read more here.

A claim has emerged on Leeds United’s interest in Lewis O’Brien heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has claimed that the Huddersfield man will still be a target for the club despite Marcelo Bielsa’s exit from Elland Road earlier this year.

He told GIVEMESPORT:

“I think he (O’Brien) will still be a player of interest to Leeds because Brenden Aaronson wasn’t anything to do with Jesse Marsch, that was a signing that Bielsa was keen for, given his running stats.

“I think in the Champions League this season, no player ran more than Aaronson, which obviously with his Murderball football, it was key for that. So, it’s clear the targets have sort of come in from upstairs, and Victor Orta has a clear strategy.”

Supporters will be delighted

Supporters will be delighted with this claim for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it shows that there is a clear style in place at the club and they are not looking to change that any time soon. Having this structure above the head coach means that it is not a complete disaster when someone like Bielsa ends up moving on.

Leeds were not going to go out and bring in a manager who wanted to play defensive, park the bus, football who would have wanted a completely different style of player in the window. This allows for continuity within the playing squad in the long-term irrespective of the man in the dugout as they have an identity that they want to stick to.

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Fans will also be buzzing with this news because O’Brien has the potential to be an excellent addition to Marsch’s squad next season.

The central midfielder enjoyed a terrific campaign in the Championship with Huddersfield as they missed out on promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

O’Brien averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.00 across 43 games in the second tier as he showcased his ability to perform to a high level on a consistent basis.

He caught the eye with his energetic displays as he won a whopping 7.5 duels and made 3.0 tackles and interceptions per game. Along with his excellent work off the ball, he chipped in with three goals and three assists to prove that he can also make an impact in the final third.

These statistics suggest that he has the potential to make the step up to the Premier League as he has proven his quality in the Championship. Therefore, fans will be delighted by the club’s efforts to bring him to Elland Road this summer.

AND in other news, “No chance..”: Journo reveals crushing Leeds transfer claim, supporters will be gutted…

Liverpool will prioritise penning Naby Keita to a new deal this summer and the links to Gini Wijnaldum are ‘fake’, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Keita enjoys best season

The 27-year-old hasn’t always hit the heights expected of him when he joined the Reds in 2018 but he enjoyed a strong 2021/22 campaign.

Keita made 40 appearances overall for Liverpool as they battled for a quadruple, proving to be an effective part of Jurgen Klopp’s well-drilled midfield after years of struggling with injuries.

The Guinean is out of contract at Anfield next summer as it stands, but a positive update has emerged regarding his future.

The Latest: Romano drops midfield update

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Liverpool are not interested in bringing back Wijnaldum on loan, focusing instead extending Keita’s stay at the club:

“Liverpool are not in talks to sign Gini Wijnaldum from Paris Saint-Germain as of today. Rumours are described as ‘fake’ by sources. LFC Board priority will be to extend Naby Keita’s contract, talks to take place soon.”

The Verdict: Right decision by Reds

While Keita remains a divisive figure among the Liverpool fanbase, it makes complete sense to offer him a new deal, with last season proof of what he can offer.

The midfielder is relentless in his pressing and general off-the-ball work, averaging two tackles per game in Premier League in 2021/22 – no Reds regular managed more – and he also stayed largely injury-free.

With other Liverpool midfielders now in their 30s, this really could be the time for Keita to go up another level and cement himself as a genuine starter almost every week.

In other news, one player is wanted by Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United could be set to make another move for Leeds United winger Raphinha, having failed in their pursuit of the Brazilian back in January.

What’s the word?

As per 90min, the Hammers are believed to be ‘considering’ whether to make another bid for the 25-year-old this summer, with reports back in the winter suggesting that GSB were willing to fork out a club-record fee to prise him from Elland Road, although were ultimately rebuffed by the Yorkshire side.

That doesn’t appear to have put David Moyes and co off as they eye another swoop in the current window, with the latest suggestion being that he could command an asking price of around £45m.

The east Londoners are likely to face fierce competition for his signature, however, with both Arsenal and Tottenham believed to be keen on striking a deal.

He’d be a superstar for West Ham

The arrival of the nine-cap international to the London Stadium would represent a major coup for the club, with the former Rennes man – who signed for Leeds in a £17m deal two years ago – having proven himself something of a “superstar” in recent times, in the words of one journalist.

The £63k-per-week gem – who has also been dubbed “a really special player” by Statman Dave – has lit up the Premier League over the last two years, notably registering 29 goal contributions over the last two seasons combined.

That included 11 goals in the most recent campaign to help drag Jesse Marsch’s side to safety, the £40.5m-rated magician bagging a vital goal from the penalty spot in the dramatic final day victory away at Brentford to secure the visitors’ top-flight safety.

A player of his talents, however, simply doesn’t belong in a relegation dogfight, with West Ham able to offer him the chance to steal the limelight in European competition, even if it is only the Europa Conference League that they will be competing in next term.

Described as a “baller” by teammate Tyler Roberts, Raphinha possesses that rare ability to produce something out of nothing with a sheer moment of genius, with such mercurial talents having often thrived for the Hammers – namely Paolo Di Canio and Dimitri Payet.

Not that he shirks his defensive duties, however, with the 5 foot 9 playmaker ranking in the top 9% for blocks made and the top 21% for interceptions made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing his willingness to do the dirty work.

That trait will undoubtedly go down well with Moyes and if he can combine that with a regular supply of goals and assists, then the club could well have a real superstar on their hands.

IN other news, West Ham now nearing “first major signing” of the summer, Moyes will be delighted

Leeds United are lining up a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge, according to Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Phillips to Man City rumours

Manchester City have been heavily linked with a move for Kalvin Phillips and have reportedly firmed up their interest with an offer this week.

The Premier League champions view the boyhood Leeds fan as a replacement for Fernandinho and to provide competition to Rodri at the Etihad Stadium. Ian Abrahams believes that a move is edging closer, and it looks as if the Whites are now preparing for life without their star midfielder.

The Latest: Berge interest from Leeds

Writing in a column for GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Berge is emerging as a Leeds target to replace Phillips.

The transfer insider stated that Victor Orta will have a good chance to sign the 24-year-old, should a pursuit receive the green light, with Sheffield United valuing Berge at £25m.

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The Verdict: Too expensive?

A valuation of £25m appears to be quite expensive when you take into consideration that Berge’s Transfermarkt valuation has never hit £20m.

The Norwegian has been labelled a ‘complete midfielder’ by former Blades boss Chris Wilder but he missed large parts of last season with a hamstring injury and played mainly as a box-to-box midfielder.

Berge does have 18 months experience of playing in the Premier League and is primarily a holding midfielder.

However, Orta may well get more value for money outside of England, having looked to do so already this summer with moves for Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and prospective new arrival Marc Roca.

In other news: Leeds now want to sign £20m ‘game-changer’; Orta’s already made contact

Pod On The Tyne host Taylor Payne has been left buzzing as Sven Botman could now sign for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Closing in

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘closing in’ on a deal to sign Botman.

Sources have indicated that they are close to a breakthrough for the central defender, after holding talks with Lille following their failed swoop in January.

The Latest: Payne buzzing

Taking to Twitter, Payne, who hosts The Athletic’s regular Magpies show, was left buzzing after hearing that the North East club are close to signing Botman:

“Massive signing if we can get this done. One of the best young defenders in Europe.”

The Verdict: Big coup

Signing Botman would certainly be a big coup for the Tynesiders, especially considering the fact that Serie A champions AC Milan are also in contention for his signature.

Of course, the Italian outfit can offer him UEFA Champions League football, so getting one over on them will feel huge for the Magpies in terms of their lure for top players.

Botman was Lille’s third-best performing player in Ligue 1 last season, and averaged more clearances and passes per game than any of his teammates (WhoScored), showing that he is equally as comfortable at playing out from the back as he is at getting stuck in to challenges.

Nonetheless, the six-foot-five colossus could end up forming a truly frightening partnership with the six-foot-six Dan Burn.

In other news, find out what Craig Hope is now ‘hearing’ from NUFC here!

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca, with the Spaniard set to be the club’s third summer addition.

What’s the word?

As per The Athletic’s Phil Hay, a deal to bring to the 25-year-old to Elland Road is now imminent, with the transfer insider revealing that the move “should get done this week.”

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This corroborates an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano who revealed that it is now a “done deal”, with the former Espanyol man set to sign for a fee of around €12m (£10.4m) plus add ons having committed to a contract until 2026.

The Yorkshire side have already acted swiftly to land Red Bull Salzburg duo Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson, with the Jesse Marsch revolution currently in full swing.

Supporters will be buzzing

Despite no confirmation from the club as yet, the indication is that Roca is firmly on his way to becoming a Premier League player, bringing to an end what has proven a brief and frustrating stint in Germany.

The £6.3m-rated gem had been plucked from La Liga two years ago for a fee of around €15m (£13m), although has since gone on to make just 24 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions, failing to score or register an assist.

That may be a point of concern for some sections of the Leeds support, although the £31k-per-week gem is undoubtedly a hugely talented individual, having even been compared to former Liverpool and Real Madrid maestro Xabi Alonso following his move to the Allianz Arena.

In his final campaign for the Catalan side, during the 2019/20 season, the 6 foot playmaker showed just what an impressive impact he can make when handed the chance, having averaged 2.3 tackes, 0.9 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game in his 35 league outings, while also averaging a solid 2.3 dribbles per game.

Clearly a player capable of doing a bit of everything, he will add quality to a midfield that has been devoid of depth in recent seasons and ultimately been stretched to breaking point, while his arrival will also help to soften the blow should prize asset Kalvin Phillips depart, with the local lad reportedly a top target for Manchester City.

Roca will seemingly be able to take on the Englishman’s role at the base of the midfield if required, with his qualities in and out of possession making him an ideal fit for the role, having been lavished with praise by former Bayern technical director Michael Reschke: “Roca plays like a quarter-back. He has good passing, short and long range, his technique is good and he has a good mentality.

“Defensively, he is very aggressive in one on one situations and brings a lot of emotion to the team. He was certainly well respected by his teammates. The one downside perhaps is that he could be a little stronger.”

That glowing assessment will be music to the ears of the Elland Road faithful, with supporters no doubt buzzing that the club are on their way to securing even more early transfer business, as they look to improve upon last season’s nail-biting, relegation scrap.

IN other news: Leeds now plotting swoop for “reliable” £22k-p/w starlet, he’s the new Dani Alves

Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that West Ham United are now expecting Declan Rice to leave the club this summer following his omission from the Irons’ recent promotional campaign.

The Lowdown: Irons’ advertising campaign

According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old has not featured in any of the Hammers’ promotional content as the East London outfit continue to advertise their new kit ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Back in April, The Athletic reported that David Moyes’ side would only consider bids for their star man if they neared the club’s whopping £150m valuation.

This followed extensive rumours which linked Rice with a move away in January, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United the most prominent of suitors.

The Latest: Kenny’s claim

Kenny, 44, has reacted to Rice’s recent absence in confusion, concluding that it must mean that the midfielder is set to leave the club this summer, otherwise he would be the star of their advertising campaign.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed:

“I find it strange that they haven’t had him in the pictures.

“Is it a massive sign that they aren’t expecting him to be there? For me, it is. Why would you not have your main player there?

“He’s a fan favourite, an England international. To not have him on the pictures for the new kit, I just don’t get that.

“Unless they know he isn’t going to be there so there is no point in taking them.”

The Verdict: Worrying absence?

Whilst rumours of an East London exit for Rice are hardly new, the emergence of potential evidence – if you want to call it that – could be viewed as extremely worrying news for West Ham fans.

The England international has refused to sign multiple contract offers with the Irons, but it has been reported that GSB will not allow their star man to leave this summer, with the player’s current deal lasting until the summer of 2024 and an option for a further year which can be triggered by the club.

Therefore, if Kenny’s suggestion is correct and Rice is set to leave this summer, then West Ham are surely counting on an absolutely huge offer for the 23-year-old as his departure would not come without a colossal fee.

In other news: Irons interested in signing James Ward-Prowse…

Nottingham Forest are looking to improve their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League next season, and now a new potential transfer target has been named by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Forest are now interested in signing Crysencio Summerville this summer.

Romano tweeted: “Nottingham Forest and AZ Alkmaar are interested in Crysencio Summerville with many clubs exploring this possibility, but Leeds are busy trying to keep the player at Elland Road by extending his contract.”

“Negotiations ongoing to decide his future as soon as possible.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will be excited at the prospect of a potential new signing, especially a move for a youngster who can not only offer longevity for the future of the team but Premier League experience too.

Summerville was hailed a “raw talent” by Chris Powell who give a glittering assessment of the young Leeds United winger in an interview with The Yorkshire Post;

“You could see the raw talent he had.

“He’s only tiny, he’s like five foot nothing but he’s got wonderful balance.

“One v one is his strength, against players. He’s quite a free spirit out on the wing, in a good way. He’ll excite you, he’s a bag of tricks, there’s some talent there.”

The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut for Leeds last season under Marcelo Bielsa in a draw with Newcastle United, and tallied up six appearances in the league but is yet to make it into a starting line-up, nevertheless, Summerville certainly gave a glimpse of his talents in his limited game-time for the Yorkshire club.

The Dutchman was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles (57%) and won the majority of his ground duels (59%), as well as successfully delivering 100% of his long balls despite averaging 22 minutes per game, and now Steve Cooper could give the player his next step in his development by offering more game-time at The City Ground.

Summerville also made 12 appearances in the Premier League 2 last season where he scored an impressive six goals and delivered one assist, with a goal contribution every 103 minutes.

Ultimately, Summerville is a rough diamond that could be polished up by the Forest boss and could follow in the footsteps of Brennan Johnson – who is the perfect example of a young player that has thrived in Cooper’s forward line over the last 12 months.

AND in other news: “Deal will..”: Sky Sports journo drops major NFFC transfer news that’ll excite Cooper